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ArchiPanel User GuideVersion 1.0 for Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh 2005 Cigraph Factory S.r.l.

CopyrightThe contents of this guide and the software described herein are the property of Cigraph S.r.l. and arecopyrighted with all rights reserved.Copyright laws prohibit the full or partial reproduction of the guide and software programs without thewritten permission of Cigraph S.r.l., except in the normal use of the software to create a backup copy. Thisexception does not allow copies to be made for others, whether these be sold, loaned or given away.

Cover illustration: Marco MarellaText: Fabrizio DiodatiLayout: Red Point srl grafica e dintorni - www.redpointonline.comEnglish translation: Katherine Cosentino

Guarantee LimitationsAlthough Cigraph S.r.l. has tested the software described in the guide and reviewed its contents, CigraphS.r.l. provides no express or implied guarantee or statements regarding the software, its quality,performance or fitness for any particular purpose.As a result, this software is sold as is, and the purchaser assumes all risks in relation to its quality andperformance.In no case shall Cigraph S.r.l. be held responsible for direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequentialdamages arising from any defect in the software or errors in the guide, even if Cigraph S.r.l. is advised ofthe possibility of such damages.In particular, Cigraph S.r.l. shall not be liable for the loss of data or the software program from computers,including the costs incurred for recovering or reproducing the data or the program itself.

Licenses and TrademarksArchiPanel is a registered trademark of Cigraph S.r.l. ArchiCAD, PlotMaker, topCAD and GDL areregistered trademarks of Graphisoft.Microsoft Windows, Windows 95/98/2000/NT/XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft, Inc.Apple, Macintosh, Power Macintosh and Mac OS are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.AutoCAD, DXF and DWG are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Ind.

Other products and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of other companies andare used purely for demonstrative purposes in favor of the trademark holder, without intent of breach.

Cigraph S.r.l.Via Orsato, 38 - (I)30175 VE/MargheraTel. (+39) 041 93 23 88 - Fax (+39) 041 92 00 31

Internet: http://www.cigraph-store.come-mail: [email protected]


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Index

The ArchiPanel Plug-in 1Floating Floors and False Ceilings for ArchiCAD 1

What are ArchiCAD Plug-ins? 1System Requirements 1Memory 1ArchiCAD Version 1How are ArchiCAD Plug-ins Used? 2Where to Install Plug-Ins 2Package Installation 2

The ArchiPanel Palette 5Panels and Panel Modules 6

Create a New Panel 7Create a Panel Module 9Managing the Materials of the Panels Used in the Module 13Managing Joints in Panel Modules 14Create Floors/Ceilings 15

Defining a Covering Using a Fill 15Defining a Covering Using a Zone 15Procedure for Creation Using a Fill 16

Panel Selection/Configuration 19Supporting Elements Selection/Configuration 20Structure Selection/Configuration 21Available Accessories Selection/Configuration 22Online Help 22

Information on ArchiPanel 22Creating Floors/Ceilings Using Panel Modules 25Modify Default Values for Covering 27Define Offset 29Change Layout Origin 30Cut/Drill Paneling 33Modify Paneling 35Manual Selection 36

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Selection Using Criteria 37Selection Using a Rectangular Area 38Selection by Row/Column (Diagonal) 39Selection by Row/Column (Horizontal) 40Changing the Parameters of the Panels Found/Selected 41Defining Accessories 41Lamp Accessories for Ceilings 44Modify Covering / Create Structure 47Creating a Structure 47

Modify Covering 50Display 2D panels 50Display 2D structure 50Display 3D structure 50Display 2D accessories 51Display numbers 51Move supports 52

Move accessories 52Update Paneling 54Update Paneling Using Zones 54Update Paneling Using Fills 56Online Help 59Project Data Calculation 59

Offsets and Edging for False Ceilings 62Appendix 66Panels 66

Origin and Position 66Accessories 68Vertical Supports 78Horizontal Structure 79

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The ArchiPanel Plug-in

Floating Floors and False Ceilings for

ArchiCAD

What are ArchiCAD Plug-ins?ArchiCAD plug-ins are software components that add functionality to thestandard features of ArchiCAD.

Extensions are currently available for import/ export operations, forexecuting special GDL functions and for some of the display methodsthat come with the standard ArchiCAD package.

ArchiPanel is one of these extensions.

System RequirementsFrom a technical standpoint, ArchiCAD plug-ins are code fragments.

This means that they cannot be launched directly from the Finder(Macintosh platform) or from Windows Explorer (Windows platform).ArchiCAD opens and closes them automatically using the Code

Fragment Manager's service routines.

MemoryAs import libraries are not applications, they do not require specialmemory configurations.

Import libraries are loaded into the system heap when they are activated.If there is not enough memory available, a warning will be displayed.

If this occurs, make more memory available to the operating system byquitting other applications or reducing the memory allocated toArchiCAD.

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ArchiCAD VersionArchiPanel is compatible with ArchiCAD 8.1 (release 8.1 - R2 isrecommended) and later versions.

It will not run with earlier versions of ArchiCAD.

How are ArchiCAD Plug-ins Used?Normally, you will not even realize you are using a plug-in.

W hen you select a particular command or action, ArchiCADautomatically executes the appropriate code. You will only notice that

new functionality has been implemented within the program.The only special attention required by the user involves the location ofthe ArchiCAD plug-ins on the computer's hard drive.

Where to Install Plug-InsPlug-ins must be copied into ArchiCAD's Add-Ons folder.

Different types of code can be placed in various levels of subfolders. Mac OS: The Add-Ons folder can be located either in the same folderas the ArchiCAD application or in the Graphisoft folder inside theSystem Folder.

Windows: The Add-Ons folder must be in the same folder asArchiCAD. If placed in any other location, ArchiCAD will not be able toaccess it.

ArchiCAD verifies the presence of the plug-ins at start-up. If they are notin the correct folder, you will have to exit the program, move them to theappropriate location and restart ArchiCAD.

If a plug-in is used on an infrequent basis, you can launch it using theLoad Add-On command from the Tools menu.

Package InstallationTo ensure correct installation of the package, follow the proceduredescribed below:

Copy the ArchiPanel folder to the Add-Ons folder, which is located inthe same folder as the ArchiCAD application.

If the installation is successful, a new menu will be added to the Menu

Bar (typically in the Extra menu).

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This new menu will allow you to show or hide the ArchiPanel Palettedepending on your needs.

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The ArchiPanel PaletteThe Palette gives you access to all of ArchiPanel's commands and

functions.From left to right and from top to bottom, these include:

- Create a new panel

- Create a panel module

- Distribute panels on floor/ ceiling

- Distribute panel modules on floor/ ceiling

- Modify default values for covering

- Define offset

- Change layout origin

- Cut/ Drill paneling

- Modify paneling

- Modify covering / Create structure

- Update paneling

- Online help


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ArchiPanel

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Panels and Panel ModulesBefore moving on to a detailed description of ArchiPanel's commands,

let's discuss the difference between an individual panel and a panelmodule.

Individual panels are the constituent elements of your floor/ ceiling, whilepanel modules define the layout of a repeated group of panels that canbe distinguished for the materials they are made of and/ or theirgeometry.

Individual panels are used to define simple layouts consisting ofsimilar panels in terms of shape and size and where the paneling canbe easily created by repeating two panels repeated over the surface.

Modules are used when the layout consists of elements of variousshapes with more elaborate arrangements and possibly panels that havedifferent materials/ colors depending on their position.

Later, we will see how to define a module and how to maintain certain

parameters during this process that will help us as we work.


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Create a New PanelIn theory, since the panels used by ArchiPanel are completely

parametric, you should not have to generate new panels to manageyour floors and false ceilings.

At any rate, it may be more convenient to generate new panels so thatyou can reuse their size and material attributes without having toreconfigure them every time or when you want to generate irregular orcustom-shaped panels to use in modules.

Create a new, very simple panel:1. With ArchiCAD'S Fill tool, define the shape of your panel,

remembering that:

a) a panel cannot have holes (if your fill has holes, they will beignored)

b) the dimensions of the fill determine the size of your panel;remember this while drawing your fill

2. Select the fill you just drew and click the icon of the Create NewPanel tool on the ArchiPanel Palette.

3. In the dialog box that appears, you can configure the panel bydefining:

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1. whether the element will be used to panel Floors or Ceilings (thestructure type and characteristics of the accessories are differentdepending on the element's intended use)

2. the panel's thickness (the bounding box naturally depends on the sizeof the original fill)

3. the default material (you can always modify the material later whenusing the panel, but you will be prompted with the material definedhere)

As indicated in the note at the bottom of the dialog box, alwaysremember to uncheck the option Keep zoomed detail on Rebuild inArchiCAD's Imaging and Calculation dialog.

W hen this option is disabled, during the creation of the panel object,ArchiPanel calculates a preview of the panel and attaches it to thelibrary part.

If this option is checked when the panel is saved, the preview will notmatch the panel itself; this will not affect the element's functionality, but it

will make it more difficult to recognize during selection.

W hen you have finished defining the panel, click the OK button tosave it.

A standard dialog box will be displayed where you can enter the nameof the new element and select its save location (remember to save newelements in an active library).

After a brief moment of processing, a message will confirm thesuccessful creation of the library part.


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Create a Panel ModuleAs mentioned previously, a panel module is a repeated group of panels

that allows the definition of more complex layouts.Let's look at a practical example to help us understand this concept.

Assume that we want to recreate the flooring shown in the imageabove.

It consists of two alternating panels that are offset by half a panel oneach row, making it impossible to use ArchiPanel's "standard" layout.

The solution is relatively simple: it involves finding the base module forthis layout, i.e., the module that, when repeated infinitely, allows thisresult to be achieved.

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The image below (the layout plan) shows the module in question:

Imagine repeating this group of panels horizontally and vertically, andyou will see how it forms the base module for the layout.

To create it, then, we assemble 5 simple panels (previously created with

the Create New Panel tool), while paying attention to their positioningand the material chosen.

The settings defined will become this panel module's default values.

As you can see in the following figure, the panels were composed usinguncut panels.

The module (which must always be a rectangle or a square) is defined

using ArchiCAD's Fill tool, and the panels that are intersected (cut) bythe edges of the Fill are handled specially in the library part you create:these edges will be invisible so that the panels to be joined correctlywhen they are repeated in all directions.


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To summarize these last steps:

1. we define the base module by adding the desired panels to the FloorPlan (using ArchiCAD's Object tool, since ArchiPanel panels arelibrary parts):

2. we use ArchiCAD's Marquee tool to define the perimeter of ourmodule (in order to cut the parts of the panels that extend beyondthe edges):

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3. we select all elements (the panels and fills that define the shape ofour module) and then click the Create Panel Module tool icon in theArchiPanel Palette. The dialog window for creating the module is

displayed:

Similar to the dialog described for creating single panels, you candefine a thickness for the panels (the size of the bounding box isdetermined by the dimensions of the surfaces included in the fill), whilethe module's intended use (ceiling or floor) is automatically determined

depending on the panels used and the module's composition.As indicated in the note at the bottom of the dialog box, alwaysremember to uncheck the option Keep zoomed detail on Rebuild inArchiCAD's Imaging and Calculation dialog.

W hen this option is disabled, during the creation of the panel object,ArchiPanel calculates and uses a preview of the panel and attaches it tothe library part.

If this option is checked when the panel is saved, the preview will notmatch the panel itself; this will not affect the element's functionality, but itwill make it more difficult to recognize during selection.

W hen you have finished defining the panel, click the OK button to saveit.

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A standard dialog box will be displayed where you can enter the nameof the new element and select its save location (remember to save newelements in an active library).

After a brief moment of processing, a message confirms the successfulcreation of the library part.

If we view the new object in the Floor Plan or 3D Window, we can seethat the module has been saved correctly and the panels have been cut(the cut edges are invisible, allowing the modules to be correctly joinedwith adjacent modules):

Managing the Materials of the Panels Used in the

ModuleOne important factor to keep in mind when creating panels that will becut is that ArchiPanel generates a parametric object in terms of thematerials.

In compositions that will be saved as modules, you can use up to 21different surface materials. W hen you use a module created in thismanner, ArchiPanel will let you modify the materials assigned, thus

allowing infinite variations of the original appearance of the module'scomponents.

In the example we just saw, two different materials were used; therefore,the coverings that use this module will have the possibility of configuringtwo different materials as you desire.


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Managing Joints in Panel ModulesAs we will see moving forward, you can define joints or a spacebetween the individual panels in your layouts.

Since modules are treated as a single element, you will have to definethe joints from the beginning.

W hen you create your layout, ArchiPanel wi ll consider the joint betweeneach individual module; this will not have an effect on the distancebetween the panels that make up the modules.

The distance between the individual panels that make up the modulemust be defined in advance.

Let's compose the piece of paneling shown in the following figure,adding a joint between each panel (in the example, the size of the

joints has been increased to make them easier to see).

As before, we use the ArchiCAD Fill tool to define our module, (figureon the left, below), but this time we trace an offset around its entireperimeter, extending it by a value equal to half the width of the joint

(the two half joints of two adjacent modules will make a full joint):

Lastly, we select the panels and fill and save the module using the

Create Panel Module tool in the ArchiPanel Palette.


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One final thing to remember (we will see this again later) is thatwhenever this module is used to create a paneling, the joint size mustbe set to zero. This is because the joint has already been defined as

part of the module.

Create Floors/ CeilingsThis tool allows you to cover your slabs/ ceilings with previously definedpanels using semi-automatic procedures.

You can choose between two different methods for paneling these

surfaces.

Defining a Covering Using a FillAn ArchiCAD Fill can be used to define the surface to cover (floorand/ or ceiling).

The covering generated will maintain a link with the fill used to definethe zone (unless the link is cancelled from the Floor Plan).

If the original fill is modified, you can update the covering that is linkedto it to so that the changes will be reflected in the covering as well.

The fill used to define the surfaces to be covered can have holes (theholes will not be covered) and/ or curved sides.

Defining a Covering Using a Zone

You can also use an ArchiCAD Zone to define an area to be covered.Normally, an ArchiCAD Zone is a well-delineated space that is closelylinked to the primitives that comprise it; therefore, any changes made tothe model can be automatically applied to the zone by using the updatecommand.

When the shape of a zone is modified, you can update the covering

that is linked to it so that the changes made will be reflected in thecovering as well.

This method of definition has both advantages and disadvantages withrespect to defining a covering using a fill.

Since zones are closely linked to models, any design change made to amodel causes an automatic update of the related zone; this makes iteasy to update the coverings linked to zones.

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Another advantage of zones lies in the fact that they are threedimensional: in the case of creating false ceilings, ArchiPanel willautomatically propose a height based on the height defined for the

selected zone.At the same time, zones necessarily follow the geometry of the areasthey comprise and therefore impose more constraints than fills, whichcan have any shape and thus, for example, allow you to cover onlycertain parts of the space with any shape you desire.

Procedure for Creation Using a Fill

First, let's look at the procedure for creating a floor/ false ceiling usingan ArchiCAD Fill

We define the perimeter of the surface to be covered using anArchiCAD Fill:

The fill we use can have curved sides and holes.

We select the fill and click the Create Floor/ Ceiling icon.

ArchiPanel gathers information about the geometry of the fill andimmediately displays the following dialog box:

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In the top part, we must specify whether we are going to create a flooror a false ceiling; the options proposed and the editing possibilities willdepend on this choice. For this example, let's assume that we want to

create a false ceiling; therefore we choose the first radio button.In the bottom part of the dialog box, we can define a value for the insetwith respect to the edge.

If this value is not equal to zero, the false ceiling's paneling will be insetfrom the edge by the value entered.

If the inset is not equal to zero, the Apply to Holes checkbox will be

enabled. If checked, the inset value will also be applied to the edges ofthe holes included in the selected fill.

For our example, we set the inset value to 20 cm and activate the insetfor the holes as well.

The last field, Minimum Area, defines the minimum surface area that apiece of panel can have in order to be considered by ArchiPanel:

remember that ArchiPanel operates with maximum geometric precision;therefore the geometry of the fill could cause extremely small pieces ofpanel to be included. This value makes it possible to avoid the inclusionof superfluous pieces.

Once we have defined the desired configuration, we confirm thesettings by clicking OK.

At this point, ArchiPanel waits for two clicks on the Floor Planworksheet:

the first click defines the layout's origin

the second click defines the orientation vector

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Once the vector has been defined, ArchiPanel displays a window fordefining the covering's settings:

The settings dialog box allows us to configure all of the attributes for ourfalse ceiling' s paneling.

On the left side, a set of buttons lets us switch between the varioussections of the dialog.

Let's see how these are used, from top to bottom:

1. Panel selection/ configuration

2. Supporting elements selection/ configuration

3. Structure selection/ configuration

4. Available accessories selection/ configuration

5. Online help

6. Information on ArchiPanel

The settings defined in this dialog will become the covering's default

settings; we will see how each individual component of the covering canbe configured in subsequent phases.

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Panel Selection/ Configuration

This section of the dialog lets us select and configure the panels that willbe used in our false ceiling.

In the top left area, we can define the panel's dimensions: length, widthand thickness.

Immediately underneath, we can select (from the libraries currentlyloaded) the two panels to use and define a material for them.

The name of the active panel is displayed in a non-editable field. N extto the name, a small button with a folder icon lets you browse thelibrary to select the panel you desire.

Clicking the folder icon opens a standard ArchiCAD Object Settingsdialog box that lists only the panels present in the active libraries; if weare creating a false ceiling, only the panels created for ceilings areshown and, if we are creating a floor, only those created for floors areshown.

Under the name, a popup menu lets you choose a material for the panel

selected.

Next to the popup menu for the second panel's material, a checkboxenables/ disables the use of the second panel.

ArchiPanel allows the creation of either checkered paneling, in whichtwo panels of different types and/ or materials alternate, or simplepaneling, in which a single panel is repeated over the entire surface to

be covered.

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This checkbox allows you to choose between the two styles of coverings.

If it is unchecked, the controls for choosing/ configuring the secondpanel will be disabled.

The top right area shows preview images of the selected panels (one ortwo depending on the covering type).

The area on the bottom right is used to position the covering. This areais present in all sections of the dialog.

In this area, you can define the position of the false ceiling by setting itsdistance from the floor or upper slab (a non-editable value at the topindicates the maximum height, i.e., the sum of these two values).

Lastly, immediately underneath, you can define the width of the joints

between the panels; this value can also be zero.Remember that this value has an effect on the structure' s dimensions.

In the bottom left area of the dialog box (present in all sections), apopup menu lets you choose the layer on which you want to place theelement.

Supporting Elements Selection/ ConfigurationClicking the second button accesses the section for configuring thesupporting elements.

The name of the active element is displayed in a non-editable field. Nextto the name, a small button with a folder icon lets you browse thelibrary to select the element you desire.

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Clicking the folder icon opens a standard ArchiCAD Object Settingsdialog box that lists only the supports present in the active libraries: ifwe are creating a false ceiling, only the ceiling supports are shown

and, if we are creating a floor, only the floor supports are shown.Immediately underneath, two popup menus allow you to choose the twomain materials for the elements (see the Appendix for additionalinformation).

Lastly, a checkbox allows you to activate the visibility of this type ofelement.

A paneling that covers a large, highly detailed area could requirelengthy processing times; we suggest that you enable this checkbox onlyfor views in which the visibility of these elements is necessary. In allothers, disable it to shorten calculation times.

Structure Selection/ ConfigurationClicking the third button accesses the section for configuring thestructure's horizontal elements.

The name of the active element is displayed in a non-editable field. Nextto the name, a small button with a folder icon lets you browse thelibrary to select the element you desire.

Clicking the folder icon opens a standard ArchiCAD Object Settingsdialog box that lists only the horizontal supporting elements present in

the active libraries: if we are creating a false ceiling, only those forceilings are shown and, if we are creating a floor, only those for floorsare shown.

Immediately underneath, two popup menus allow you to choose the twomain materials for the elements (see the Appendix for additionalinformation).

Lastly, a checkbox allows you to activate the visibility of this type ofelement.

A paneling that covers a large, highly detailed area could requirelengthy processing times; we suggest that you enable this checkbox onlyfor views in which the visibility of these elements is necessary. In allothers, disable it to shorten calculation times.

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Available Accessories Selection/ ConfigurationAccessories are elements with specific functions (for example smokedetectors, light sources, grates, etc.) that are placed on the panels of

our covering.

Given their extraordinary nature, they will not be present on everypanel of the covering. As such, this button is not enabled in this phase(we are in the creation phase, which means we are defining thecommon features of all elements in the covering).

We will cover its use later.

Online HelpClicking this button displays the user guide in PDF format.

Information on ArchiPanelClicking this button displays a dialog box with information on the

program.

After all sections of this dialog box have been configured, we click theOK button to confirm the settings defined.

For technical reasons beyond our control that may be resolved in thefuture, a dialog box appears at this point: click the OK button toconfirm, and the covering object is placed on the Floor Plan.

This is how it appears on the Floor Plan and in 3D:

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Had we chosen to create a covering for a floor (instead of for aceiling), the procedure would have been similar for everything exceptthe definition of the paneling's position; in this case, the position would

have been defined in relation to the underlying slab.

Height definition Height definitionfor a ceiling for a floor

The only important difference, which is structural, would have beenautomatically handled by ArchiPanel: the elements pertaining to afloating floor structure would have been displayed instead of those for afalse ceiling (the icons associated with the two buttons also change toshow the different characteristics).

Floor paneling settings dialog box

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Ceiling paneling settings dialog box

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Creating Floors/ Ceilings Using Panel

ModulesThis tool allows you to cover your slabs/ ceilings with previously definedpanel modules using semi-automatic procedures.

This procedure is the similar to the one described in the last paragraph:the only difference lies in the fact that, in this case, instead of usingsimple panels as the components of our paneling, we will use panelmodules.

We suggest rereading the description of panel modules in theparagraphs above before continuing with this chapter.

As you can see in the image above, the settings dialog box for creatingfloors/ ceilings using panel modules differs from the dialog boxassociated with using single panels only as concerns the configurationof the base element: in this case, instead of defining either one or twopanels, a single module is defined (which is composed of multiple

panels, as seen above).In addition to defining the module's dimensions (width, length, thickness- be careful, as the improper definition of these values will change theshape of the original module), we can select the module to use (byclicking the folder icon next to the name of the module selected) andchoose the materials to be used for the module's components.

In the bottom area, a scrolling list displays all of the materials that canbe used for the panel module selected.

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All other sections of the dialog box are exactly the same as for thecreation of simple panel coverings; please refer to the previousexplanations for a thorough description of these sections.

Note: N ote: in the case of mod ules, the structure is defined based on the

module's bounding box; beams and supports will be positioned along

the outer edge of the module's b ounding box.

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Modify Default Values for CoveringUsing this tool, we can change the default settings for a covering object

that has already been placed on the Floor Plan.We select the covering object we want to modify and click theappropriate button in the ArchiPanel Palette.

ArchiPanel immediately displays the element's settings dialog box (thesame one used during creation of the element), which gives us access toall of the element's parameters.

Keep in mind that you are changing the element's default values: thismeans that all panels that were modified separately (changes to thematerial or the addition of accessories) will not be changed.

Only those components that use default values will be affected by thesechanges.

To clarify this concept, let's look at a simple example.

In the example below, we see a section of a floor with a checkeredcovering (two colors) that includes panels that have been modified:some panels have a different color (much darker), and one has agrating:

As you can see, these different elements were created by assigningspecific attributes to the panels in the beginning.

Now we select the covering object and click the Change Default Valuesfor Covering tool on the ArchiPanel Palette:

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We change the material of the two panels used in the covering bychoosing the same material for both and then confirm the change withthe OK button.

Let's see how the element has changed in 3D:

As we can see from the image above, changing the default valuesaffects all of the panels that use those settings; the panels that wereconfigured separately maintain the characteristics defined for them.

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Define OffsetThis tool allows you to change/ set, at any time, an inset value for thepaneling with respect to the outer edge of the area to be covered.

This process is similar to the one described in the paragraph on creatinga covering element.

Select the covering object for which you want to change the offset, thenclick the icon of the Define Offset tool in the ArchiPanel Palette.

ArchiPanel immediately displays the following dialog box:

As seen before, using this dialog allows us to define an inset value withrespect to the border of the paneling.

If this value is not equal to zero, the paneling will be inset from theedge by the value entered.

If the inset is not equal to zero, the Apply to Holes checkbox will beenabled. If checked, the inset value will also be applied to the edges of

the holes included in the selected fill.

The last field, Minimum Area, defines the minimum surface area that apiece of panel can have in order to be considered by ArchiPanel:remember that ArchiPanel operates with maximum geometric precision;therefore the geometry of the fill could cause extremely small pieces ofpanel to be included. This value makes it possible to avoid the inclusionof superfluous pieces.

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Change Layout OriginSelecting this tool from the ArchiPanel Palette allows you to change theorigin and orientation of the panel layout for a covering that hasalready been placed on the Floor Plan.

One of the most interesting aspects of this function is that, when theorigin is changed, any modifications made to the individual componentsof your paneling will be maintained.

Let's use a simple example to see how this procedure works and thelogic it uses to update components.

The image below shows a floor covering that was created using acheckered paneling in which two different-colored panels alternate:

The origin that was defined when the covering was created was in the

bottom left corner, and the orientation angle was set to 0(from left toright).

Later, a panel was customized (second row, second column) with theaddition of a grate.

To change the layout origin and orientation, we select the coveringobject and click the icon of the Change Positioning Origin tool in the

ArchiPanel Palette.ArchiPanel immediately transforms the element's appearance, indicatingwith two axes and an arrow the position of the origin and itsorientation.

The cursor's form also changes (pencil), prompting the user to identifythe new origin and orientation with two clicks (the first click defines the

position and the second the orientation angle which is defined by the

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position and the second the orientation angle, which is defined by thevector from the first to the second point):

Let's assume that we want to move the origin from the bottom corner tothe center and we want to position the joint at a 315angle.

First of all, we click the corner desired (you can click anywhere youlike):

Then we click a second time to define the direction of the layout.

In this phase, it is as if we were drawing a line using normal ArchiCADprocedures. Therefore we can use any of ArchiCAD's standardtechniques to define the angle.

We can either press the Shift key to constrain the vector to thefixed/ custom angles, or we can use the Coordinate Bar to enter theabsolute or relative values for the X, Y coordinate, the ray R or theangle A.

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The image below shows the second click:


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The image below shows the second click:

As soon as we click a second time, ArchiPanel changes and updates theobject:

As you can see in the Floor Plan and 3D views of the covering shownabove, the position of the panel with the grate (or any other customizedelement) in relation to the paneling's origin has not changed.

Cut/ Drill Paneling

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Cut/ Drill PanelingAs we saw earlier, if there are holes in the zone or fill used to createour covering, the covering we generate will contain holes thatcorrespond exactly to the original element.

At any rate, you may want to make other holes in the paneling once ithas already been positioned without having to recreate the originalelement or make holes in it.

In this case, the Cut/ Drill Paneling tool can assist you.

Using this function is extremely easy; let's see how it works using asimple example.

The figure below shows a covering over which we have drawn, usingan ArchiCAD fill, the shape of the hole we want to create:

This is all we need: a covering object to cut and a fill that outlines theshape of the hole.

We select both the library part and the fill, then we click the icon of theCut/ Drill Paneling tool on the ArchiPanel Palette.

ArchiPanel immediately creates the hole:

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As we can see from this example, the fill that defines the hole can havecurved sides.

The only limitation (this may seem obvious since the fill defines a hole) isthat the fill itself cannot have holes; if ArchiPanel finds a fill with holes inthe selection, it will use the outer edge of the fill to generate the hole in

the covering and ignore any holes in the fill.

ArchiPanel will not automatically cancel the fill used to create the hole.

Modify Paneling

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Modify PanelingThis will surely be the tool you will use the most; it allows you tocustomize the individual components of the panelings created withArchiPanel.

As we have already seen, when generating a covering, we set defaultvalues that determine the general appearance of our paneling.

This tool can be used to control certain aspects of the individualcomponents, including changing the materials used or addingaccessories.

Its use can be divided into two distinct phases:

1. first, select the components to be modified

2. then make the changes to the elements selected

Selecting the individual components can be done either manually byclicking them (clicking an unselected element will select it; clicking aselected element will deselect it), or by defining the selection criteria in

a search dialog box.

The components selected will be highlighted in the plan symbol with acolored fill to make it easier to identify them and to keep track of yourselections as you go.

Only one selection method can be used at a time (either manual or viasearch criteria), but the command can be repeated as many times as

you like on the same element.

The procedure is extremely simple: select a covering element you wantto change, then click the Modify Paneling icon in the ArchiPanel Palette.

The appearance of the covering changes on the Floor Plan (to allow thediscrete selection of each individual component; furthermore, all panelsappear in their entirety, even if they have been cut in the covering) and

a new palette opens. This palette, which has three buttons, lets you:- make a selection using customizable search criteria (the first icon on

the left with the small magnifying glass)

- confirm the selection made by clicking the object (the icon in themiddle with the checkmark)

cancel the command without changing the element selected (the lasticon on the right with a red X)

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Manual SelectionLet's start with the most simple type of selection: manual.

To select a panel, click the hotspot in the center. ArchiPanel highlightsthe panel with a colored fill:

Clicking a selected panel's hotspot a second time will deselect thepanel.

Lastly, clicking the checkmark button confirms the selection of thehighlighted panels (conversely, clicking the red X button cancels the

procedure without selecting any panels).W hen the selection is confirmed, the dialog box appears for definingthe covering's settings. Here, we can change the parameters of thepanels selected.

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Selection Using Criteria

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Selection Using CriteriaClicking the button with the magnifying lens icon accesses the dialogbox for specifying our selection criteria:

The dialog box is divided into two parts (you can only use one of theseduring the same search session).

In the upper section, search criteria can be specified based on:

1. panel surface material

2. panel name

3. name of the accessory associated with the panel

4. support name5. beam name

Use the checkbox on the left to enable or disable each criterion.

When you check one of the criteria, a popup menu is activated on theright listing all of the attributes currently associated with the selectedcovering element.

This means, for example, that the popup menu for material selection willnot include all of the material attributes configured for the ArchiCADproject that is currently open; instead, it will list only the surfacematerials assigned to the panels used in the covering element.

This is because we would clearly not want to search for a panel that isassociated with a material that is not used (the result would be null).

Immediately to the left of the popup menus, a small preview image helpsus recognize the attribute chosen.

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This dialog allows you to combine different types of criteria, however,t lti l it i f th t Thi f

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you cannot use multiple criteria of the same type. This means, forexample, that we could search for all panels that are made with acertain material and use a certain accessory, but we could not searchfor all panels that use two different materials (for this, we would have toperform additional searches).

The lower section allows selections to be made manually or based ongeometric rules instead of using search criteria.

In this case, the aim is to select groups of contiguous panels or patternsof panels.

Selection Using a Rectangular AreaWe click the By Selection Area checkbox and confirm our choice byclicking the OK button.

The dialog box closes and the cursor becomes a hammer while waitingfor us to define, with two clicks on the panels' hotspots, the diagonal ofthe rectangular selection area.

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As you can see in the example below, ArchiPanel automatically orientsitself in relation to the angle of the panels:

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itself in relation to the angle of the panels:

A rubberband line (shown using a thicker line in the image above tomake it easier to distinguish) indicates the panels we are selecting: all ofthe panels intersected by or included in this rectangle will be selected.

When the selection is confirmed, the dialog box appears for definingthe covering's settings. Here, we can change the parameters of thepanels selected.

Selection by Row/ Column (Diagonal)This type of selection lets you choose - after defining the panel to startfrom with a click - a set of panels with a specific number of rows andcolumns between them.

In the image below, we see the result of the selection made. The panelwith the black border is the starting panel (the one that was clicked to

begin the process).

When the selection is confirmed, the dialog box appears for definingthe covering's settings. Here, we can change the parameters of thepanels selected.

In this example, the surface material was changed to highlight thepanels found/ selected.

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Selection by Row/ Column (Horizontal)This type of selection lets you choose all panels positioned at a certainnumber of rows and columns from the origin (which is defined with aclick). The selection will include a grid of panels with a regular row andcolumn structure.

In the image below, we see the result of the selection made. The panelwith the black border is the starting panel (the one that was clicked tobegin the process).

W hen we confirm the selection, the dialog box appears for defining thecovering's settings. Here, we can change the parameters of the panelsselected.

In this example, the surface material has been changed to highlight thepanels found/ selected.

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Changing the Parameters of the Panels

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Found/ Selected

Clearly, the purpose of these searches and panel selections is to give usan easy way to modify the characteristics of the panels in question.

Once the selection has been made (manual or using criteria),ArchiPanel displays the settings dialog for the covering element.

This dialog box is the same as the one described during the phase ofcreating the covering; however, in this case, the changes we make willonly be applied to the panels selected instead of affecting the entire

covering (default settings).

The main difference lies in the fact that, in this mode, we can assignaccessories to our panels.

Defining AccessoriesThe fourth button in the settings window lets you assign an optional

accessory to the panels selected.

ArchiPanel's library includes a number of these accessories (both forfloors and false ceilings); however, expert users (those with GDLprogramming experience) can create additional accessories byfollowing the specifications in the Appendix of this guide.

When you install ArchiPanel within ArchiCAD, two new element

subtypes are added (in addition to others used by the add-on) to assistyou in creating new accessories:

1. APanel_ceiling_accessory. This subtype defines an accessory elementfor use in ceilings. W hen you access the settings dialog box for aceiling covering, ArchiPanel displays only this subtype of accessoryelement. This simplifies navigation in the libraries and the selection ofthese elements. Ceiling accessories also include special lamp

accessories that let you illuminate your environments and define thespecific details of the light source. Lamps, fans, aeration systems,ceiling signage, etc. are all included in this category of elements.

2. APanel_floor_accessory. This subtype defines an accessory elementfor use in floors. When you access the settings dialog box for a floorcovering, ArchiPanel displays only this subtype of accessory element.

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This simplifies navigation in the libraries and the selection of theseelements. Grates, towers, etc. are all included in this category of

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elements. Grates, towers, etc. are all included in this category ofelements.

Slab accessories section

Ceiling accessories section

As you can see from the two images above, the attributes of the twotypes of accessories (floor or ceiling) are similar.

Only in the case of ceiling accessories do we see an additional buttonthat allows the settings for a light source to be defined.

Let's look at the options available in this dialog box.

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The name of the active accessory is displayed in a non-editable field.Next to the name, a small button with a folder icon lets you browse the


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, ylibrary to select the accessory desired.

Clicking the folder icon opens a standard ArchiCAD Object Settingsdialog box that lists only the accessories present in the active libraries: ifwe are creating a false ceiling, only the accessories created for ceilingsare shown, and, if we are creating a floor, only the accessories createdfor floors are shown.

One particular accessory element (found in the library) is the emptyaccessory (000_F for floors and 000_C for ceilings).

By default, all panels have an empty accessory (i.e. no accessory).

After assigning an accessory to a panel, it can be removed at any timeby reassigning the empty accessory to the panel.

Under the element name, three editable numeric fields allow themeasurements of the accessory's bounding box to be defined.

The next two popup menus allow two surface materials to be chosen forthe element: a primary material and a secondary material (see theAppendix for a detailed description of this attribute).

The last four fields in the lower part are for defining the following:

Xo: the accessory's offset along the X axis in relation to the center ofthe panel

Yo: : the accessory's offset along the Y axis in relation to the center ofthe panel

: the accessory's angle of rotation in relation to the panel

- Resolution of the accessory's curved parts

Notes:- - -each pane l can have only one accessory.

the pane l's offset values and ang le of rotation can also be defined

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- -the pane l s offset values and ang le of rotation can also be defined

interactively using editable graphical hotspots (see the related section

later on).

Lamp Accessories for CeilingsIf we are configuring accessories for the panels of a ceiling, one of theaccessories we can choose (and therefore configure) from theaccessories library is a lamp:

If we choose a lamp accessory and confirm our selection with the OKkey, when we return to the ArchiPanel settings dialog, we will see thatthe button for the lamp's settings has been activated:

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Clicking this button accesses the dialog box for configuring the lightsource (as with other accessories, all other settings are defined in thedialog' s main window):

The two buttons on the top left (with the lit and unlit light bulbs) turn thelight source on or off.

Clearly, even if the light source is turned off, a 3D model of the lamp

will still be visible in the covering's 3D view.

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Immediately to the right, a slider and editable field let you define thelight's intensity, while the button to next to the editable field lets you

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customize the color of the light emitted.

Click this button to choose a color from the system color palette.The next elements are thoroughly described in the ArchiCAD GDLReference Guide; at any rate, they include (from top to bottom and leftto right):

the alpha angle determines the frustrum of cone where the lightbecomes most intense.

the beta angle controls the frustrum of cone where the light is dimmed.Inside this cone, the light reaches its maximum intensity at the center,then falls to zero at the beta angle.

the falloff of the light's intensity, which is associated with the beta angle,is handled by the angle_falloff parameter (zero gives the light a sharpdefinition; higher values produce a smoother transition between lightand dark).

maximum distance reached by the light. In our case, being that the lightsource is positioned on the false ceiling, this value should always begreater than or equal to the distance between the floor and the falseceiling.

the distance_falloff parameter controls the decrease in intensitydepending on the distance (zero produces a constant intensity; larger

values are used for stronger falloffs).the shadow casting checkbox allows calculation of the shadows that willbe cast by the selected light source.

After configuring these parameters, we confirm the settings and closethe dialog box by clicking OK.

W hen we return to the settings dialog box for the lamp accessory, we

confirm our selections by clicking OK. ArchiPanel immediately modifiesthe currently selected panels by adding the lamp accessories weconfigured.

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Modify Covering / Create StructureThis ArchiPanel tool has two different functions depending on whether

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This ArchiPanel tool has two different functions depending on whetherthe selection made includes a covering element.

If it is used when no selection has been made, it lets you generate astructure (for a floor or false ceiling), i.e., a set of columns on which tolay a beam (for floors) or a set of support elements that hold up a beam(for false ceilings).

If a covering element is selected, the tool lets you control how it isdisplayed and change the position of the supports and accessories

associated with it.Let's have a look at these two methods.

Creating a StructureClicking the Modify Covering/ Create Structure tool icon in theArchiPanel Palette with no covering element selected starts the

procedure for creating a structureWhen the tool is clicked, ArchiPanel displays a dialog box forspecifying whether the structure to be created is for a floor or for a falseceiling:

When the selection is confirmed with the OK button, a window appears

for defining the structure's settings.

This window lets us define the settings for the individual elements thatmake up the structure.

When the configuration is complete, we click the ArchiCAD Floor Planworksheet two times to define the insertion point, orientation and lengthof the structure to be generated.

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Floor structure settings dialog box

Ceiling structure settings dialog box

The first section in the top left area is for configuring how the structure

will be displayed.

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The first two radio buttons allow the last column of the structure (or thelast support for false ceilings) to be shown/ hidden.

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The next two radio buttons allow the last beam of the structure (or the

last part of the beam) to be shown/ hidden.The checkbox on the bottom allows a half-structure to be drawn (thistype of element is usually found at the edges of floating floors attachedto the surrounding walls).

The two editable numeric fields in the top right area are for defining thedistance from the floor (or ceiling) and between the centers of thesupports.

Similar to above, the next section lets you choose an element to use(column/ support or beam) by clicking the button with the folder iconand define two materials for the main surfaces.

When you confirm the settings with the OK button, the window closesand the cursor changes form (pencil icon), prompting you to click twice -the first time to define the element's insertion point and the second to

define its length and orientation.

ArchiPanel places the structure and waits for you to click two more timesto define another structure.

Thus, the command is cyclical; to interrupt it click the Cancel button onthe ArchiCAD Control Box or the Esc key on your keyboard

The placement procedure described above is the same for both floorand ceiling structures.

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Modify CoveringIf a covering element is selected, this tool lets you control how it is

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displayed and change the position of the supports and accessories

associated with itW hen you click the icon (while only one covering element is selected),the dialog box below appears:

Display 2D panelsShows/ hides the panels in the Floor Plan view.

By default, the panels of the covering object are not displayed; only the

outline of the covered area is visible.

Display 2D structureShows/ hides the structure in the Floor Plan view.

By default, the structure of the covering object is not displayed; only theoutline of the covered area is visible.

Notes:remember that columns/ supports and bea ms must be enab led ,otherwise the display setting will have no effect. The structure's presence

is enabled/ disabled in the covering settings w indow; this dialog box is

used to control its Floor Plan display.

Display 3D structureShows/ hides the structure in 3D views.

By default, a 3D model of the structure is not displayed; only the panelsare visible.

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Notes: remember that columns/ supports and beams must be enab led ,

otherwise the display setting will have no effect. The structure's is

enabled/ disabled in the covering settings window ; this dialog box is

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used to control its 3D display.

Display 2D accessoriesShows/ hides the accessories in the Floor Plan view.

By default, the accessories of the covering object are not displayed;only the outline of the covered area is visible.

Display numbersShows/ hides panel numbering in the 3D views. The panel at the originis panel number 1.

The button next to the Display Numbering button is for configuring thesettings of the text used for numbering.

You can specify the font, text style (normal, bold, cursive), size and pen:

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Move supportsShows/ hides editable hotspots for defining an offset for the supports.

W hen this option is enabled a dot and an editable hotspot appear at


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W hen this option is enabled, a dot and an editable hotspot appear at

the center of every support.Clicking the hotspot and dragging moves the support to the desiredposition.

Move accessoriesShows/ hides editable hotspots for defining the offsets and rotationangle of the accessories associated with the covering's panels.

W hen this option is enabled, a dot and two editable hotspot appear foreach accessory.

Clicking the hotspot in the center and dragging moves the accessory tothe desired position:

The second hotspot is used to define the orientation of the accessory.

Clicking the hotspot and dragging rotates the accessory to the desiredposition:

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Notes: as we have seen, the accessory's offset and orientation can also be

defined in the settings dialog box. The process described here,

however, allows you to use graphic editing, which lets you take

advantage of various alignments and snap points, to which ArchiCAD's

intelligent cursor is sensitive.

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Update PanelingThe covering elements created with ArchiPanel can be updated semi-

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automatically.

To keep from slowing down your work on your project, instead ofallowing automatic updating, we preferred to let you choose when toupdate your coverings.

As covering elements can be generated from either ArchiCAD Zones orFills, let's look at the two methods for updating these elementsdepending on how they were created.

Update Paneling Using ZonesIn the following image, we see a covering that was generated from azone that delineates an area of an ArchiCAD project:

Lets suppose that, in a subsequent work phase, a change is made thatincludes offsetting the Zone slightly to the right and adding a curve tothe right wall:

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After making the change, the user updates the Zone using the UpdateZones command from the ArchiCAD menus and achieves the followingresult:


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At this point, updating the covering is extremely easy since it is basedon the ArchiCAD zone that was just updated.

We select the covering object on the Floor Plan and click the UpdatePaneling tool icon on the ArchiPanel Palette:

ArchiPanel reprocesses all of the data based on the changes made tothe original zone that was used to create the covering element. Thesettings dialog box then reappears, where we confirm by clicking OK(as explained previously, the appearance of this window andconfirmation with the OK button are technical limitations that we hope

will be resolved in future versions of ArchiCAD).

W hen we confirm the settings, the covering reappears with the updatesand settings we defined:

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Update Paneling Using FillsCoverings generated using fills are not as closely linked as with zones.

In this case, to update the paneling we must select a fill (be it thestarting one or any other fill).

The image below shows a fill and the covering element that wasgenerated from it:

Now we edit the fill by rounding its lower left corner and adding ahole.

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As with zones, to update the covering, we select both the fill and theelement to be updated, then we click the Update Paneling tool on the

ArchiPanel Palette.

ArchiPanel reprocesses all of the data based on the changes made tothe fill selected. The settings dialog box then reappears, where weconfirm by clicking OK (as explained previously, the appearance of thiswindow and confirmation with the OK button are technical limitationsthat we hope will be resolved in future versions of ArchiCAD).

When we confirm the settings, the covering reappears with the updatesand settings we defined:

As seen before, using the Cut/ Drill Paneling tool, we can create holes inthe paneling that were not part of the geometry of the original element(be it a zone or a fill) from which the paneling was generated.

Since these manually created holes are not included in the geometryof the zone or fill used, they are of fundamental importance duringupdating.

ArchiPanel

Let's suppose, as shown in the image below, that the covering to beupdated includes a hole (in this example a fill is used, but it would bethe same for a zone):


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W hen we click the Update Paneling tool, ArchiPanel recognizes theholes and immediately displays a dialog window that asks if we want toprocess or ignore them:

If we choose to keep the holes, ArchiPanel updates the covering objectmaintaining the holes (image on the left), otherwise the object isupdated but the manually created holes are ignored (image on theright):

Online HelpClicking the Online Help icon in the ArchiPanel Palette opens the userguide in PDF format.

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g

For this procedure to function correctly, Acrobat Reader must beinstalled on your computer, and the ArchiPanel user guide must bepresent in PDF format in the same folder as the ArchiPanel add-on (thefolder on the CD-ROM includes the guide).

Project Data CalculationAn interesting feature of ArchiPanel involves the calculation of theelements used to cover ceilings and floors.

Let's see how these calculations work using a simple example:

The image above shows a small floor covered with 80x80 panels in twodifferent colors.

Using any Component list, we can easily obtain a calculation like theone below:

Component NameComponent Quantity

F_Beam 01 72F_Column 01 36

F_Panel 01 (White) 18

F_Panel 01 (Grey) 18

The fist column includes the name of the component (or the name givento the panel, beam or support selected to generate the covering). The

second column lists the number of elements used in the structure.

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Let's see how we can customize this data.

First, we select the covering object and double-click the Object tool (inthe ArchiCAD Toolbox) to access its settings dialog box.

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In the user interface section, we see the following dialog:

In the PAN EL LIST SETTINGS parameter group, we can specify the data

to display/ compute in the calculation. In the EXAMPLE section, we see apreview of the results obtained.

If the differentiate cut panels checkbox is selected, the panels thathave been cut to fit the area's shape are calculated separately (andlabeled).

The next field is for entering the string to use for labeling the cut panelsin the calculation.

If this checkbox is selected, the calculation above changes as follows:

Component NameComponent Quantity

F_Beam 01 50

F_Beam 01 (cut) 22

F_Column 01 25

F_Column 01 (cut) 11

F_Panel 01 (White) 13

F_Panel 01 (White) (cut) 5

F_Panel 01 (Grey) 12

F_Panel 01 (Grey) (cut) 6

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We now see that 18 panels were used for each of the two materialsand that 5 white panels and 6 grey panels are cut and 13 white panelsand 12 grey panels are whole panels.

Beams work in the same manner (22 are at the borders i e half

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Beams work in the same manner (22 are at the borders, i.e. halfbeams), as do supports (11 supports are situated along the border).

The show panel sizes checkbox is used to specify whether thedimensions should appear beside the component name, and the nextcheckbox - only X-Y sizes - enables/ disables the appearance of thethickness next to the two measurements:

Component Name Component Quantity

F_Beam 01 72

F_Column 01 36

F_Panel 01 0,70x0,70 (White) 18

F_Panel 01 0,70x0,70 (Grey) 18

The last checkbox, show panel material, controls the display of thepanel's material: be aware that using this option significantly affects thelist results.

Below, we see how our calculation is affected if we decide to disable it:

Component Name Component Quantity

F_Beam 01 72

F_Column 01 36

F_Panel 01 0,70x0,70 36

As the surface material is no longer displayed, all panels with the samename are grouped together, resulting in a general calculation of thepanels used with no distinction by surface material/ color.

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Offsets and Edging for False CeilingsAs we have already discussed in this guide, an internal offset can beapplied to both floor and ceiling coverings.

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In the second case, i.e., when we generate false ceilings, the parametriccharacteristics of the covering element can be used to define its edging.

Let's look at the following example, which shows a false ceiling with anoffset:

As shown in the two images, the false ceiling is inset by a specifieddistance from the edge of the surface, causing the border to appearempty.

We select the covering object and double-click the Object tool (in theArchiCAD Toolbox) to access its settings dialog box

In the user interface section, we see the following dialog:

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We click the button under the project data calculation button to accessthe dialog box that will be used to configure the border of our falseceiling:

In the top right area, four options offer four different possibilities forcustomizing the edging.

From left to right:

No edging. This is the standard default option: no edging is used;therefore, if an offset is defined, the border will be empty.

Simple edging. Activating this option results in the border being filledwith horizontal edging at the same level as the false ceiling, starting atthe panels and extending to the surrounding walls.

Clicking this icon will cause a series of parameters to be displayedallowing the element to be configured:

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- thickness of the edging

- width of the edging (could be different than the offset value)

material used for the edging

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Stair-step edging. When this option is activated, the border is filledwith horizontal edging that will be a specified distance from the falseceiling, with another vertical section joining the two elements.

Clicking this icon will cause a series of parameters to be displayed to

allow the element to be configured:



- vertical offset of the edging. The value can be either positive ornegative, resulting in the border being either higher or lower than thefalse ceiling

- material used for the edging

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Example of a border Example of a border with a positive vertica l o ffse t with a nega tive vertica l o ffse t

Vertical edging. W hen this option is activated, a vertical block of aspecified height will be generated.

Clicking this icon will cause a series of parameters to be displayed toallow the element to be configured:



- vertical offset of the edging. The value can be either positive ornegative, resulting in the border being either higher or lower than thefalse ceiling

- material used for the edging

AppendixThe appendix covers the creation of new library parts using GDLprogramming.

Alth h t b fit t f di thi ti l

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Although expert users may benefit most from reading this section, lesspracticed users can refer to it to create customized elements as well.

The elements that can be created include:

- panels

- accessories

- lamp accessories

- beams

- supports

PanelsAs seen previously in this guide, panels can be created automatically(both for floors and ceilings) using the Create a N ew Panel tool, which

is found on the ArchiPanel Palette.

On the other hand, the surface materials and sizes of panels areparametric, therefore you could always use the same panel and changethese parameters.

It could be the case, however, that, for a certain floor (or false ceiling),you want to create a panel with a 3D shape that cannot be generated

using ArchiPanel's automatic functionality.In this section, we will see how to create this type of panel using a GDLscript.

Origin and PositionFirst of all, a panel that is to be used in ArchiPanel must follow certainrules in terms of its origin and position along the Z axis.

The panel must always be built so that its origin is located in the bottomleft angle of its bounding box:

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Likewise important is the position of the panel along the Z axis.

In the case of panels that will be used in floor coverings, the 0 levelmust be located under the panel, with the body of the panel extendingupward:

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In the case of panels that will be used in ceiling coverings, the 0 levelmust be located above the panel, with the body of the panel extending

downward:

In order for the process to work correctly and for ArchiPanel torecognize the two panel types (for floors and for ceilings), you must

select one of the two specific subtypes that are automatically generatedby ArchiPanel in your ArchiCAD library when the software is installed:

Select the APanel_ceiling_panel subtype to create a panel for a ceilingor the APanel_floor_panel to create a panel for a floor.

When you choose one of these subtypes, ArchiCAD automatically addsa new variable, material_1, that controls the panel's surface material.

Remember, therefore, to use the MATERIAL material_1 command in yourGDL script before defining the 3D elements that make up your panel sothat the surface material will be parametric and can be configured usingthe ArchiPanel settings dialogs.

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Any other material used in the 3D script will always remain the same; inother words, you will not be able to edit it using the ArchiPanel dialogboxes.


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W hen you save the object, you do not need to worry about its name:ArchiPanel manages its elements by their subtype.

At any rate, we suggest that you use different naming standards forfloor panels and ceiling panels; while this is not necessary, it is certainlyhelpful.

In the standard library provided with ArchiPanel, the function of thelibrary parts can be recognized by the first letter of their name: Findicates an element that will be used for a floor covering; C indicatesan element that will be used for a ceiling covering.

AccessoriesThe important thing to remember when creating an accessory forArchiPanel is that the library part as well as the geometry of theaccessory must be created based on the host panel.

The position of the accessory must be the same as the position seen

above for the panels:

The origin must be on the lower left side of the host panel's boundingbox, and the accessory must be in the center of the panel.

To ensure that the element works correctly, it is extremely important thatyou use the variables provided. These variables will be automaticallycreated when you select the correct subtype.

Choose the APanel_ceiling_accessory subtype to create an accessory for

a ceiling the APanel floor accessory to create an accessory for a floor

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a ceiling, the APanel_floor_accessory to create an accessory for a flooror the APanel_ceiling_lamp to create a lamp accessory for theceiling.

Selecting one of these three subtypes results in the automatic creation ofthe variables necessary for correctly managing the subtypes inArchiPanel:

The variables for the APanel_ceiling_accessory subtype

The variables for the APanel_floor_accessory subtype

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ArchiPanel


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The variables for the APanel_ceiling_lamp subtype

As you can see in the images above, the subtypes use some of the same

variables.The meaning of these variables is explained below using a lampaccessory, which includes all possible variables.

A : accessory width (along the X axis)

B : accessory length (along the Y axis)

ZZYZX : accessory height

material_1 :main material

material_2 : secondary material

elem_resolution : resolution of the curved parts

X_offset : offset along the X axis in relation to the origin

Y_offset : offset along the Y axis in relation to the origin

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angle : accessory's angle of rotationwith respect to the Z-axis

A_Panel : host panel size X

B_Panel : host panel size Y

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pZ_Panel : host panel thickness

Name_Panel : host panel name (to be used as a macro)

Mat_Panel : host panel material

panel_off : hide (=1) or show (=0) host panel

red : red component of light color(value between 0 and 1)

green : green component of the color(value between 0 and 1)

blue : blue component of light color(value between 0 and 1)

shadows : activates (=1) or deactivates (=0) shadowcasting calculation

angle1 : this angle determines the frustrum of conewhere the light becomes most intense.

angle2 : this angle controls the frustrum of conewhere the light is dimmed.

angle_falloff : falloff angle (zero gives the light a sharpdefinition; higher values produce a smoothertransition between light and dark).

distance2 : the effect of the light ends at this distance

distance_falloff : controls the decrease in intensity dependingon the distance (zero produces a constant

intensity; greater values are used for strongerfalloffs).

intensity : intensity of the light source(value between 0 and 100)

ON_OFF : turns light source on (=1) or off (=0)

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All of these variables are recognized" and managed by ArchiPanelthrough its dialog windows.

Other variables you may add will not be managed by ArchiPanel'sdialogs.

Let's look at a practical example: how to create a lamp accessory for

ArchiPanel


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Let s look at a practical example: how to create a lamp accessory forour ceiling using an existing ArchiCAD library part.

First of all, from ArchiCAD's File menu, we select the GDL Objects/ NewObject command.

W hen the dialog box of the library part editor opens, we click theSelect Subtype button, then, from the tree structure that appears, weselect the APanel_ceiling_lamp subtype (which should be located at thefollowing path: General GDL Object / Model Element /ArchiPanelSubtype / APanel_ceiling_accessory / APanel_ceiling_lamp)and confirm with the Select button.

W hen we close this dialog box, we see how all of the variables neededto create an accessory element (in this case a ceiling lamp accessory)

have been automatically generated and are ready for use.ArchiCAD's standard library includes a Lamp object like the one below(the name depends on your particular ArchiCAD localization):

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As you can tell from the image above, this object already correspondsto the requirements previously seen; i.e., it extends downward (ceilingaccessory requirement).

Let's see how we can us it in our script.

First of all, we open the library part to see its variables and understand

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First of all, we open the library part to see its variables and understandwhat they mean.

The table below shows how the variables of the Lamp object correspondto the variables of ArchiPanel's lamps.

ARCHIPAN EL VARIABLE LAMP VARIABLEA A

B B

ZZYZX zzyzx

material_1 base_mat

material_2 cand_mat

red D

green E

blue F

shadows light_shadow

angle_1 ail

angle_2 aol

angle_falloff afo

distance_2 dist2

distance_falloff dif

intensity GON_OFF C

elem_resolution gs_resol

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Thus, to program a call to this existing element part to use it in ouraccessory, we use a declaration similar to the following one:

CALL "Chandelier" PARAMETERS

A = A, B = B, zzyzx = ZZYZX,

D d E F bl

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D = red, E = green, F = blue,

light_shadow = shadows,

ail = angle1, aol = angle2,

afo = angle_falloff,

dist2 = distance2,

dif = distance_falloff,

G = intensity,

C = ON_OFF,

base_mat = material_1,

cand_mat = material_2

The parameters of any other variables of this library part cannot be

managed through ArchiPanel's dialog boxes, however, you couldmanage them in the call to the macro.

In our example above, after the PARAMETERS declaration, we includedonly the assignments of the variables used by ArchiPanel, but we couldalso assign values (in this case fixed, not parametric) to the othervariables.

Let's see, then, what our final GDL script looks like:

IF panel_off


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cand_mat = material_2

DEL TOP

We explain it briefly below.

In the first step, which is the declaration:

IF panel_off


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Using the Modify Paneling tool, we select two of the panels in the falseceiling, as shown below:

We confirm the selection and assign the lamp accessory defined aboveto the two panels:

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Here's how our accessory looks in 3D:

ArchiPanel

Vertical SupportsThe structural supports handled by ArchiPanel include suspensionsystems for false ceilings and columns for raised floors.

Both of these types of supports have a specific subtype.- APanel ceiling support (for suspension systems)


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APanel_ceiling_support (for suspension systems)

- APanel_floor_support (for columns)

Selecting these subtypes while creating a library part will create twomaterial variables (material_ and material_2) for use in your script.These variables will be handled automatically in ArchiPanel's dialogs.

The element's dimensions A and B will be fixed (not handled byArchiPanel), as this type of element normally varies in height (dependingon the position of the false ceiling or raised floor); thus, remember touse the ZZYZX variable correctly, as ArchiPanel will use it for thispurpose.

In the two images that follow, we see the correct positioning of the twoelements along the Z axis (a column on the left and a piece of

suspension equipment on the right):

Horizontal StructureThe horizontal structural framework of the false ceiling or raised floor isalso handled by ArchiPanel using two specific subtypes:

- APanel_ceiling_beam (false ceiling)- APanel_floor_beam (raised floor)

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Selecting these subtypes while creating a library part will give you twomaterial variables (material_ and material_2) for use in your script.These variables will be handled automatically in ArchiPanel's dialogs.

In the two images that follow, we see the correct positioning of the twoelements along the Z axis (a structural element for a raised floor on theleft and a structural element for a ceiling on the right):

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